Charlie Brown and Kelly Pierce made history on the February 16 episode of Wheel of Fortune when they played as the first same-sex couple in the show’s history during the week-long Valentine’s Day Special.
“It’s such an honor to be here on Wheel of Fortune’s 40th anniversary love week,” said Brown after host Pat Sajak introduced them and asked them to share a little bit about themselves. “As we, especially, celebrate our 25th anniversary as a couple.”
The couple also shared that they have a 7-year-old dog named Tallulabelle, who they claim is also a fan of game shows.
Even though the couple didn’t win, social media was alight with joy that a same-sex couple was featured at last. Some fans even noted the irony of Charlie Brown being the name of one of the men, as the first gay cartoon couple was Peppermint Patty and Marcie.
The monumental move comes on the heels of rumors about Sajak and co-host Vanna White’s imminent retirement, particularly after a recent controversial political photo with Marjorie Taylor Green. The show itself is renewed through the 2027-2028 seasons, but Sajak and White’s current contracts end after the next season.
Sajak recently added fuel to the fire when he told ET, “It appears I may go before the show. Years go by fast. We’re getting near the end. It’s been a long [time.] We’re not gonna do this for another 40 years. The end is near.”
